NTPC to set up nuclear power project in Bihar

Patna: Power giant NTPC is planning to establish a nuclear power project in Bihar, marking a significant step in expanding its non-fossil energy portfolio, Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh said on Thursday.

Speaking at the 'Bihar Business Connect 2024' summit, Singh said NTPC has requested the state government to allocate suitable land for the project, reported The Economic Times.

"Looking at the future of the energy sector, nuclear (energy) is expected to become extremely important 20-30 years down the line. I want to share that NTPC is now entering the nuclear energy space," Singh was quoted as saying by ET.

Although he did not provide additional details, Singh mentioned that NTPC would first conduct a study before advancing the nuclear project in the state.

On September 11, the Indian government approved the creation of Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI), a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (51%) and NTPC (49%), to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants under the Atomic Energy Act.

Singh also highlighted NTPC’s interest in other renewable energy initiatives in Bihar, including rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating solar projects, pumped storage, and battery energy storage systems.

"We aim for a significant share of our 60,000 MW renewable energy capacity by 2032 to be in Bihar," he said.

In Bihar, NTPC currently operates with an installed capacity of 8,850 MW, representing an investment of approximately Rs 80,000 crore.

Singh further revealed plans to explore battery storage systems of 3,000-4,000 MWh in the state and noted that Nabinagar Power Generating Company Ltd (NPGCL) is working on a 2,400 MW power project in Bihar.

As of now, NTPC’s total installed capacity across thermal, solar, wind, and other sources stands at 76,531 MW.